A recent Gallup poll finds that 55% of Americans now want immigration to the U.S. reduced, marking a significant shift in public opinion across party lines. Explore the details and implications of this change.
For the first time since 2005, a majority of Americans believe that immigration to the United States should decrease, according to a recent Gallup poll. This survey, conducted in June among 1,005 adults, reveals that 55% of Americans now support reduced immigration, a notable rise from last year’s 41%. Meanwhile, 25% of respondents feel immigration levels should remain the same, and 16% advocate for an increase.
This surge in support for reducing immigration spans across all political affiliations. Among Democrats, the percentage favoring a decrease rose from 18% to 28%. For Republicans, it jumped significantly from 73% to 88%, and for independents, it increased from 39% to 50%.
Historically, the highest levels of support for reducing immigration were recorded by Gallup in 1993 and 1995, when 65% of Americans wanted less immigration, largely due to California’s struggles with a large influx of migrants. Similar sentiments were observed post-9/11 and in December 2005, when the House of Representatives passed a bill to bolster border security.
Despite the growing desire to limit immigration, most Americans still view it positively. However, this positive sentiment has declined slightly from 68% last year to 64% this year. Partisan divides are sharp: 86% of Democrats see immigration as beneficial, while only 39% of Republicans share this view, marking a new low for GOP support.
Interestingly, support for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants remains strong at 70%, though it has decreased from 81% in 2019. Support for granting citizenship to “Dreamers” — individuals brought to the U.S. illegally as children — stands at 81%.
Americans are currently divided on the issue of deporting all immigrants in the U.S. illegally, with 47% in favor and 51% opposed. Similarly, opinions on expanding the border wall are split, with 53% supporting further construction and 46% opposing it.
The Gallup poll, conducted from June 3-23, highlights a significant shift in American attitudes toward immigration, reflecting broader political and social dynamics. As the nation grapples with these evolving perspectives, the implications for policy and public discourse will undoubtedly be profound.
